Hattiesburg vs Pearl: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,235 | $57,844▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.63 | $27.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,832 | $41,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,213▲ | $49,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,816 | $69,469▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,137 | $82,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pearl, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Pearl is $6,609 (12.90%). Pearl's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $24,305,Pearl spans $40,412. Pearl has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pearl ($67,496 effective) pays 15.45% more than Hattiesburg ($58,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,394)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,496)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.9% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$37,000 (2019) → $48,610 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$37,351 (2024) → $54,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hattiesburg or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Pearl?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Pearl as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hattiesburg vs Pearl?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov